December 2018
The American National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment’s published a report this month on the current state of student learning outcomes assessment in the U.S, based on a survey among 1202 institutions (43% response). NILOA conducted a similar survey in 2009;
725 of the 2013 respondents also completed the 2009 survey, allowing for an estimate of the nature and scope of the changes that have occurred. Major findings:
- 84% of institutions have articulated learning outcomes (74% in 2009);
- Assessment is primarily driven by external accreditation, with a shift from national HE association to local governing boards, but with regional (HE) and programme (professional) accreditation still heading the list.
- The average number of assessment tools increased from 3 (2009) to 5 (2013);
- While external accreditation is still the main driver, internal use of assessment results is becoming more frequent (than before) and perceived as more important (than external use);
- Assessment is reported to be widely supported within the HE institutions and used internally more often than externally;
- More selective universities are less active in assessment; and finally
- Faculty (academics) are key to moving assessment forward.
Document available through aurora.brief.reviews@aurora-network.global
Also relevant in this context is SERU: the Student Experience in the Research University project run from the Center for Studies in Higher Education, with participation i.a. from the Amsterdam University College.
December 12, 2018
